Movable Picking Station for Automated Inventory Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic inventory handling systems face inefficiencies due to the need for complex coordination between different types of robots, requiring significant human intervention and time, and struggle to efficiently arrange items based on their properties to prevent damage during storage and order handling.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a movable picking station that can travel among shelving units to pick items from containers and arrange them in an order container without moving the containers, using floor and lift robots to facilitate the process, and utilizing a planning unit to determine the sequence of picking tasks based on item properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If multiple types of robots (floor robots and lift robots) are used to handle containers and items, then the automation extent increases, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of container and item handlingVSAvoidcoordination between multiple robot types

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the handling task into two independent segments: floor robots handle container transport while lift robots handle item picking. Each robot type operates autonomously within its domain, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining high automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable picking station is designed as a universal interface that can work with both floor robots and lift robots. It serves multiple functions: receiving containers from floor robots, transferring items to lift robots, and managing order assembly, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If containers are moved to a centralized picking station, then item collection efficiency improves, but the number of container movements and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem collection efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer movement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving containers to a centralized picking station, the system inverts the approach by bringing the picking station to the containers. The movable picking station travels along the shelving units, allowing items to be picked in place, thereby eliminating unnecessary container movements and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the movable picking station near the shelving units containing required items. This allows the picking operation to begin immediately when items are needed, avoiding delays associated with container retrieval and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If items are picked and arranged based on complex properties (weight, fragility, etc.), then item safety and order quality improve, but the planning complexity and computation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem safety during handlingVSAvoidplanning and sequencing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planning unit uses parameter changes by considering item properties (weight, fragility, dimensions) as dynamic variables in the sequencing algorithm. It optimizes the picking sequence by adjusting parameters such as priority levels and handling constraints, achieving reliable item safety without excessive computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The movable picking station is equipped with sensors and actuators that enable it to autonomously assess item properties and adjust its handling approach. The station performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal picking sequence based on real-time item characteristics, reducing the burden on external planning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the movable picking station travels among shelving units, then the need for container movement is reduced, but the picking station's movement complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction in container handlingVSAvoidpicking station movement energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable picking station employs dynamic movement strategies, adjusting its speed, acceleration, and stopping points based on the location and quantity of items to be picked. This dynamic approach optimizes energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary movements and maintaining efficient travel patterns among shelving units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11787635B2Movable picking stations

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 GET FABRIC LTD

AI summary

An inventory handling system and a method for managing thereof, comprising multiple shelving units with shelves on which containers are placed. The system comprises a movable picking station configured to travel among the shelving units, and transfer items between containers. The movable picking station is configured to collect from the multiple shelving units into an order container at least a portion of a plurality of items listed in an order to be fulfilled. The movable picking station is configured to place the pickable items in the order container in an optimal arrangement while minimizing the distance the containers are moved and potential damage to the items.